Former Gloucester star Bill Meakes will be forced to switch sides after Western Force were axed from Super Rugby.

Centre Meakes left Gloucester last year to return to his home country and play for the Perth-based franchise, since earning a call-up to the senior Australia squad for their Rugby Championship opener against New Zealand.

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However, with Super Rugby competition being cut down from 18 to 15 teams from the 2018 season, the Australian Rugby Union have now confirmed that Western Force will be removed after winning their arbitration case.

WA Rugby have said they will appeal the decision in the high court.

The players are protected by their contracts with the ARU and will join one of the remaining four franchises next season.

Therefore, Meakes will likely play for one of Melbourne Rebels, Brumbies, the New South Wales Waratahs or Queensland Reds next season.

South Africa also lost two teams in the Super Rugby cut, with the Southern Kings and Cheetahs having already agreed a move to the Pro 14.